'The Five' host Jeanine Pirro says President Joe Biden has 'real problems' while discussing his age issue
Jeanine Pirro said that President Joe Biden issue was not his age but his mental state
1970-01-01 08:00
Peru: Priest of Pacopampa exhumed after 3,000 years
The tomb in northern Peru contained the remains of a man dubbed the Priest of Pacopampa, officials say.
1970-01-01 08:00
Bank of Montreal's quarterly profit falls on higher bad loan provisions
Bank of Montreal on Tuesday reported a decline in third-quarter profit as the Canadian lender set aside more
1970-01-01 08:00
How to help your child make friends at secondary school
Back to school… those three words mean many things to many people – but it’s safe to say, with a new school year comes the unknown: What will it be like, and will I fit in? “Starting a new school year can stir up an array of emotions in young people,” says Yvonne Kekeliadis, creator of Brightstarz, an organisation which runs workshops to help teens and tweens learn life skills. “The prospect of academic and social pressures, whilst exciting for some, can leave others feeling dread and trepidation as the summer holidays draw to a close.” She says building up a social safety net of peers in whom they can confide is a critical part of ensuring young people feel supported – and enjoy their time in secondary school. This is particularly important for children making the leap from primary school to secondary, says Kekeliadis. “Therefore, it’s imperative young people are equipped with the skills and support to be able to foster healthy, positive friendships.” Principal at Impington Village College, a high-ranking state school, Victoria Hearn says: “The transition to the next stage of their education can be an exciting time for students, but for some, the change of routine, environment, and teachers, coupled with the loss of some of their established network of friends, can be daunting.” Secondary school should be an enjoyable and enriching experience for every student, says Hearn, and building a strong friendship group can play a key role in making this a reality. Key tips which parents should share with their child include… Be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out to others “The most important thing for students starting secondary school to remember, is that everyone is in the same boat,” says Kekeliadis. “Moving from a small class of 30 to a school year of more than 100 can feel incredibly daunting – and while it takes confidence to put yourself out there and take the first step, it will help to put others at ease who will be feeling shy, too.” Be open-minded Kekeliadis says a part of what makes starting secondary school exciting is being able to take part in new activities and initiatives, such as sports clubs and other extracurriculars. “This also provides a fantastic opportunity for students to meet peers who share similar interests,” encourages Kekeliadis. “Helping them to form a bond and eventually a friendship.” As well as taking advantage of an array of extracurricular activities, Hearn says to encourage them to support local, national, and international volunteering projects. “Which enables them to meet new people and work together to support a cause greater than their own individual needs.” Set healthy boundaries “When young people enter a new social situation, they are likely to feel pressure to fit in, and while having a strong social group is important to a child’s wellbeing, it’s vital young people know how to step away from an unhealthy friendship,” advises Kekeliadis. To encourage the setting of these boundaries, she says parents should ensure their child knows that it’s okay to tell a friend ‘no’ when they are feeling uncomfortable – as well as when it’s best to speak to an adult if they feel they are being pressured. Conversation is key Parents, guardians, and teachers can all have a positive impact on a student’s ability to make friends, says Hearn, but it’s important to remember every child is different and moves at their own pace. “If your child hasn’t made hundreds of new friends within the first week of school, it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t soon establish a strong friendship group. “At all times, but particularly around periods of change, I encourage parents and guardians to engage in frequent open conversations with their child(ren), to check in with them regularly,” advises Hearn. “And, most importantly, validate their feelings.” Listening to your child’s concerns and providing reassurance is often all students need to approach making friends with confidence, suggests Hearn. Ask for support Hearn says at the heart of every education provision should be a desire to help all children thrive… “For the last four years, we have not grouped students with their friends from previous schools when they join us in Year Seven,” notes Hearn. “Instead, we create mixed ability, balanced groups, where students are able to interact with a wide range of other pupils.” She says this has proved hugely successful in ensuring all students feel they are included – and presented with the best opportunities to make new friends. “Your child(ren)’s school should also have an established pastoral support network to help them through any challenges they are facing,” says Hearn. “Please encourage your child to reach out to their tutor when necessary,” she urges. “Or, if required, contact their school directly with any concerns.” Hearn continues: “The transition to secondary school can be daunting for students, but with the support of families and teachers, we can ensure every child gets the absolute most out of their experience – and establishes friendships that will extend far beyond the school walls.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 ways to make dark rooms look lighter Men experience imposter syndrome too – here’s how to overcome it This is how stress affects different parts of the body
1970-01-01 08:00
Idalia gains hurricane force, expected to strengthen before Florida landfall
By Rich McKay, Dave Sherwood and Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) -Tropical Storm Idalia swirled into a hurricane on Tuesday after skirting
1970-01-01 08:00
US isn't trying to hold China's economy back, says Commerce Secretary Raimondo
The United States is not seeking to decouple from China's economy or hold it back, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told senior Chinese economic officials Tuesday in Beijing.
1970-01-01 08:00
Kremlin plays down moon landing failure, says space programme will continue
MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin on Tuesday said that the failure of Russia's Luna-25 mission to the Moon earlier this month
1970-01-01 08:00
Real Madrid confirm Vinicius Junior diagnosis & why that is worrying
Real Madrid issue statement on Vinicius Junior after carrying out medical tests on injury suffered against Celta Vigo.
1970-01-01 08:00
Mark Meadows' historic gamble: Why Trump's White House chief of staff took the stand
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows rolled the dice on Monday with his opening move in the sprawling Fulton County election subversion trial: he took the stand himself.
1970-01-01 08:00
AMLO’s Insular Politics Predicted a Global Shift, But Will It Protect His Legacy?
On a Saturday afternoon in early July, Mexico City’s vast Zócalo square was packed wall-to-wall with supporters gathered
1970-01-01 08:00
Chad Stahelski's Highlander reboot could launch a franchise
Chad Stahelski has suggested that his reboot of the classic fantasy film 'Highlander' could mark the beginning of a new franchise.
1970-01-01 08:00
'An annoying distraction': Leonard Bernstein's daughter defends Bradley Cooper in Maestro nose row
Leonard Bernstein's eldest daughter Jamie has described the controversy surrounding Bradley Cooper's prosthetic nose in his portrayal as her father in the biopic 'Maestro' as "an annoying distraction".
1970-01-01 08:00
